Linda’s dog, Charlie, begs for food whenever she or anyone else has something to eat. The rustle of a food wrapper has Charlie running to the source in hopes of something tasty. Linda feeds him well regularly, so he’s not on the verge of starving, so she’s obviously annoyed at the unwanted behavior and wants the begging problem to stop. What should she do? Is there training that will help?
In Part 1 of the dog begging series, we discussed why otherwise well-fed dogs beg for food. Here in Part 2, we will give Linda and other dog owners tips for getting a dog to stop begging for food.
A Quick Recap on Why Dogs Beg for Food
Begging for Food: Reasons
There are several possible reasons for a dog to beg for food:
- It works: Your dog used big puppy-dog eyes and dramatic sighs to train you. As long as you give in, the behavior will continue.
- It’s instinct: The wild did not guarantee food for canine ancestors. Dogs ate when it was available, whether they were hungry or not. Begging was simply a way to get food.
- They’re not getting the necessary nutrition: If the dog’s food doesn’t contain all the nutritional elements they need, they will still feel hungry and will be more likely to beg.
- They’re bored: Your dog will zero in on your burger and fries if they have nothing else to do.
Problems with Begging for Food
Begging can have consequences, from annoying to severe:
- Some foods are not suitable for your dog: Human food is sometimes loaded with salt, sugar, and fats, which are bound to upset the canine stomach. Here’s a comprehensive list of foods your dog should never eat.
- That extra food can lead to weight gain and associated health problems.
- Begging is incompatible with a well-socialized dog: No one wants a wet nose in their face when they’re trying to eat.
Dogs’ Begging Behavior Must Be Approached Individually
There are several possible training methods to stop your dog from begging. The best approach depends on your dog’s personality, behavior, and reasons for begging. In general, you have to interrupt the things you don’t like, reward the things you do, and teach them how to earn those rewards. You give them what they want but on your terms, not theirs. You just have to find the training method that works for your dog.
#1: Completely Ignore the Begging Dog
The first thing you can try is ignoring the dog when they beg. Easier said than done, right? They look at you like they will starve if they don’t get a bite of your pizza. But if you give in, the behavior will never end. Ignore the dog, and perhaps distract them with a toy or something else that interests them. Ignoring the dog is like quitting a bad habit. It’s uncomfortable at first. But soon, the dog will realize that begging gets them nothing, and the behavior will stop, at least usually, since some dogs are incredibly persistent.
#2: Use a Leash
A leash helps you communicate to your dog what you want them to do and not do. It allows you to direct the dog’s behavior away from the person they’re begging or the table with the food on it while communicating that this behavior is unacceptable and that they need to do something else. Use the leash to attach the dog to a spot a bit of a distance away from the begging target.
#3: Teach the “Place” Command
Training the dog to stay away from the dinner table or other place where you’re eating will remove the chance to beg. Use the “Place” command to send your dog to a location far away from your food, preferably a cozy spot in a separate room for the dog to stay and wait. This is often their crate. Put the dog in the crate or other space for gradually longer time intervals while praising them for good behavior. You may also want to give them a toy or dog-appropriate treat while there.
#4: Coordinate Your and Your Dog’s Meal Times
Training can also be a matter of when to feed the dog. If you eat your dinner when your dog hasn’t eaten for a while, you’re setting up a begging scenario. Feeding the dog first or simultaneously as you eat will reduce the desire to beg. Of course, your dog will not turn down an extra treat from your plate even with a full stomach, so make sure no one is offering.
#5: Be Consistent
Any training to stop begging will be in vain if someone in the household is still fanning the begging flames. Giving in one time and not another will confuse the dog and keep their hopes up. Having one family member cave in and others not just tells the dog which person to target. Everyone has to follow consistent rules. They must resist the downtrodden, forlorn, furry face with the big, sad eyes.
#6: Check the Dog’s Food
If your dog’s own food does not have the complete nutrition their body needs, they will constantly feel hungry and will be more likely to start begging for food. Inexpensive dog food, for example, is composed of a lot of carbohydrates and not enough protein. One way to ensure your dog gets a well-balanced diet is Volhard’s Natural Diet Foundation, a dehydrated formula of essential nutrients that you mix with raw meat and water!
#7: Reward Good Behavior and Do Not Punish
Rewards tell your dog that whatever they’re doing has your approval. When it’s consistently rewarded, they will learn to do more of it. In this case, reward when they go to their place or redirect their attention to something more acceptable.
Pet owners must not punish dog’s begging. It’s a natural behavior, and chances are they’re doing it because you have allowed and encouraged it in the past. Instead, look for opportunities to reward a well-behaved dog through positive reinforcement.
Let K9 Basics Help You Put an End to Your Dog’ Begging Behavior!
Dogs beg for food because it works. It’s natural to eat offered food even if they’re full. It was to their advantage to seize any opportunity to eat in the wild, as the food was not guaranteed. But in your house, where you feed them regularly, a begging dog is annoying, and their behavior may expose them to certain foods they should not eat.
A little training can go a long way toward stopping your dog from begging and restoring peaceful meals at the dinner table. Of course, it will take some patience, and it must be consistent. But you can do it! In the meantime, make sure to check out our blog for more information on dog training!